Stilwell’s rural community has ties to Cherokee Nation
Roughly 9 miles west of the Arkansas state line, Stilwell is a small city surrounded by farmland, with a handful of commerce providing for the community. “We’re a rural hometown where everyone knows everyone,” says Kimberly “Kimi” McDonald, a Realtor with Keller Williams, who started selling in 2022. “We have some industry in the area […] the town is growing, with new businesses coming in.” Multiple city parks add recreation to the area and bring the community together.
Stilwell is located in the sovereign territory of the Oklahoma Cherokee Nation. With the capital of the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah , about 24 miles away, the tribe has strong roots in the city. Wilma P. Mankiller Health Center is the second-largest tribally operated medical clinic in the Cherokee Nation, located in Stilwell.
Single-family homes sit on large lots
Most homes in Stilwell are either lined along gridded residential streets or found on the city’s outskirts, sitting on large lots of land. “We’re about 10 miles from Northwest Arkansas, and that is a booming area right now, so buyers are finding that with our property taxes being so much more affordable, they want to move out here,” McDonald says. “Price for square footage is much lower than our neighbors.”
Ranch-style homes built in the 1950s to 1990s are common. Most have simple brick or vinyl exteriors, while others have farmhouse features like front porch areas with overhangs. There are also minimal traditional single-story homes and cottages under 1,000 square feet. Most homes are priced between $40,000 and $300,000, based on property size and condition. Traditional multi-story homes sit on the upper end of the price range. Some have simple vinyl exteriors, while others have a contemporary design with Craftsman features. Properties on the outskirts of town that come with farmland and additional buildings cost around $250,000 to $550,000.
Staying active at city parks, lakes and fitness facilities
Stilwell has five city parks dotting the area. Edna M. Carson Stilwell Community Park, or “Carson Park” for short, is a major sports complex, with eight baseball/softball fields, a basketball court and a pickleball court. The high school’s baseball, soccer and softball fields are also located here. In addition to the athletics, Carson Park has two playgrounds, a splash pad and a paved walking trail. A nine-hole golf course is in the works as well. Another popular green space is Adair Park, which has RV and tent camping sites scattered by a fishing pond and picnic area. C.J. Carson Lake, also called “City Lake,” is about 8 miles outside Stilwell with three public boat launches for non-motorized boating. For indoor recreation, the Mary L. Holland Carson Wellness Center has fitness facilities and offers classes.
The city has a handful of shops and restaurants
Commerce is limited in Stilwell, though First and Second streets both have a small commercial corridor. “There are some mom-and-pop stores, and several little gift shops that also sell clothing and footwear. We try to shop there first,” McDonald says. As for restaurants, Okie Joes Bar-B-Que specializes in pork platters and ribs, while Mr. B’s Pizza has casual Italian eats. Farther north on Blackjack Street, Deep South’s Somethin’ Sweet Diner serves southern homestyle meals. Chains in the area include Taco Bell and Daylight Donuts. When it comes to the essentials, Harps Foods is the city’s grocery store, and there’s a Walmart Supercenter along U.S. 59. Additional options are in Tahlequah. One of its commercial shopping areas is about 26 miles away with national brands and retailers.
Celebrating the Strawberry Festival and more
Stilwell’s Strawberry Festival is the city’s most notable event, held on the second Saturday in May, with events starting as early as Wednesday, when the Strawberry Queen is picked. The festival dates back to the late 1940s, when the strawberry harvest was a big boost to the local economy – back then, Stillwell was considered the strawberry capital of the world. Weekend events include a parade, 5K race, rodeo and a carnival at Adair Park. There’s also a Fall Fest in September, with vendors, food trucks, a tractor show and a chili cookoff.
Stilwell’s public schools and technology center
The city is served by Stilwell Public Schools. Stilwell Elementary School and Stilwell Middle School both earn C grades from Niche. From there, students head to Stilwell High School, which scores a C-plus. The high school offers Advanced Placement classes and over 20 student clubs and organizations. The Indian Capital Technology Center’s Stilwell campus offers courses in automotive service technology, information technology and welding for interested students.
Driving along Northeast Oklahoma’s highway systems
Navigating Stilwell often requires a vehicle. U.S. Highway 59 is the city’s main thoroughfare, traveling north and south. Oklahoma state highways 51 and 100 both run east and west, merging with U.S. 59 In the city. OK-51 can be used to reach Tahlequah and Fayetteville , Arkansas, around 39 miles west. Stilwell Memorial Hospital is located along OK-100. For air travel, the Northwest Arkansas National Airport is roughly 50 miles away in Bentonville.
